What Does a Merchandising Assistant Do?

Merchandising assistants are the behind-the-scenes workers who make sure that retail stores look their best at all times. They’re responsible for maintaining the visual presentation of products in store shelves, displays, and other areas where customers might see them.

Merchandising assistants may also be tasked with creating or updating product labels, signage, and other materials used to advertise items for sale. This includes everything from designing new layouts for store shelves to creating digital banners for social media campaigns.

Merchandising Assistant Job Duties

A merchandising assistant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Processing incoming merchandise shipments and updating inventory records accordingly
• Providing customer service by answering questions about merchandise, special order policies, gift wrapping services, etc.
• Arranging store displays according to company standards regarding style, color, size, and other aesthetic considerations
• Assisting customers with locating specific items within the store, including locating specific sizes or colors within a department
• Maintaining records of daily sales, markdowns, and profit margins for each department
• Restocking shelves with new merchandise as needed
• Maintaining visual appeal of store by sweeping floors, dusting shelves, vacuuming carpets, and performing other routine cleaning tasks
• Collecting customer feedback about products and services offered in the store to improve customer satisfaction and increase sales
• Verifying receipt of returned merchandise for damage before issuing refunds or processing exchanges

Merchandising Assistant Salary & Outlook

Merchandising assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions or bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $44,500 ($21.39/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)

The employment of merchandising assistants is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Merchandising assistants will be needed to help retail establishments with their online and in-store marketing efforts. However, the growth rate for these jobs may be limited by the increasing use of technology, such as digital signage and mobile point-of-sale systems, which can automate some tasks currently performed by merchandising assistants.

Merchandising Assistant Job Requirements

A merchandising assistant typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma is often a minimum requirement for merchandising assistants. Some employers may prefer an associate’s degree in merchandising or a related field.

Training & Experience: Merchandising assistants typically receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or managers. This training may include learning the inventory management software the company uses, the organization’s policies and procedures and the best practices for merchandising. Training may also include shadowing other merchandising assistants until they are comfortable enough to complete tasks on their own.

Certifications & Licenses: Merchandising assistants don’t require any certifications to earn their position. However, some states do require merchandising assistants to be licensed to operate a cash register, so check with your employer to be sure.

Merchandising Assistant Skills

Merchandising assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Organization: A merchandising assistant needs to be able to keep track of their work and the work of their team. This means having excellent organizational skills. You can use your organizational skills to keep track of your work and delegate tasks to your team. You can also use organizational skills to keep track of the inventory and sales numbers of your company.

Communication: Communication is another skill that can be useful in a merchandising assistant role. You may be required to communicate with other employees, suppliers and customers, so it’s important to be able to speak clearly and concisely. You may also be required to communicate complex information to others, so it’s important to be able to explain ideas in an easy-to-understand way.

Time management: Time management skills can help you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. As a merchandising assistant, you may be responsible for managing the flow of products from the warehouse to the sales floor. This can include ensuring that the right products are in the right place at the right time.

Attention to detail: Having strong attention to detail can help you perform your job well. You can use your attention to detail to ensure you place products in the right locations and that you don’t mix up orders. Attention to detail can also help you keep track of inventory and ensure you don’t overstock or understock products.

Teamwork: Working with others is an important part of a merchandising assistant’s job. You may work with a team of other assistants, sales associates and managers to ensure that products are displayed correctly and that the store has enough inventory. You may also work with a team of other assistants to plan and execute marketing campaigns.

Merchandising Assistant Work Environment

Most merchandising assistants work in retail stores, although some may work in warehouses or distribution centers. They typically work regular daytime hours, although they may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support the store’s hours of operation. Some merchandising assistants may travel to attend trade shows or to visit suppliers. The work can be physically demanding, as it may involve lifting and moving heavy boxes of merchandise. The job may also be stressful, as it requires the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to work well under pressure.

Merchandising Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how merchandising assistants work. Merchandising assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Digital Marketing

The growth of digital marketing is a trend that is quickly changing the way businesses market their products and services. As more and more people turn to the internet for information, businesses are realizing that they need to have a strong online presence in order to be successful.

This means that merchandising assistants will need to be familiar with digital marketing techniques, such as search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing. They will also need to be able to create effective online ads that will attract customers to the business’s website.

More Focus on Personalization

As consumers become more accustomed to having a personalized experience, businesses are beginning to focus on providing more personalization in their interactions with them. This includes everything from the products and services that are offered to the way in which customer service is provided.

Merchandising assistants can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in understanding what individual customers want and how to provide it for them. This requires both a deep knowledge of the products that the company offers as well as an understanding of the needs and wants of individual customers.

A Greater Emphasis on Customer Experience

The importance of customer experience has been gaining attention in recent years as businesses have come to realize that it is the key to long-term success.

Merchandising assistants can play a critical role in creating positive customer experiences by helping to create a visually appealing store environment, developing relationships with customers, and ensuring that they are satisfied with their purchases.

How to Become a Merchandising Assistant

A merchandising assistant career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the fashion industry. As a merchandising assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the fashion business, from design to marketing. You’ll also gain experience working with different types of products and brands.

To become a successful merchandising assistant, it’s important to have a strong understanding of fashion trends and styles. You should also be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance in the field of merchandising. One of the best is to get a degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. With this education, you will be able to apply for management positions, such as store manager, district manager, or even regional manager. You may also be able to move into corporate positions, such as buyer or product development manager.

Another way to advance in merchandising is to specialize in a particular area, such as visual merchandising, store planning, or product development. With experience and expertise in a specific area, you can become a consultant or even open your own consulting business.

Merchandising Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are looking for a Merchandising Assistant to join our team. The Merchandising Assistant will be responsible for assisting the Merchandising Manager in all aspects of product development and purchasing for the company. This includes but is not limited to: product research, vendor relations, product development, product costing, and product approvals. The Merchandising Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining the product development calendar, and ensuring that all deadlines are met.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a minimum of 2 years of experience working in merchandising, product development, or a related field. He or she must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of all aspects of merchandise presentation including, but not limited to: floor plans, store layout, fixture placement, signage, and visual merchandising
• Assist with the development of seasonal assortments, analyzing past sales history to make recommendations on item mix, quantities, and pricing
• Work closely with buyers and vendors to ensure timely receipt of merchandise and resolve any issues that may arise
• Prepare for and participate in weekly merchandise meetings, providing input on upcoming promotions and events
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring items are well-stocked but not overstocked, and conducting regular cycle counts
• Monitor markdowns and clearance activity, taking appropriate action to minimize losses
• Process all incoming shipments in a timely and efficient manner, verifying accuracy against packing slips and invoices
• Assist customers with product questions and concerns, providing expert knowledge on features and benefits
• Handle all returns and exchanges according to company policy
• Stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices in retail merchandising
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in merchandising, business, or related field
• 1-2 years experience in retail merchandising or a similar role
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with product development or sourcing
• Experience working with vendors and suppliers
• Experience with data analysis and reporting
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite